representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Deborah Mae LOVELL
chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 362–5122
FAX: [1] (202) 362–5225
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US:
the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and Barbuda; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda
Flag description:
red, with an inverted isosceles triangle based on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, and white, with a yellow rising sun in the black band; the sun symbolizes the dawn of a new era, black represents the African heritage of most of the population, blue is for hope, and red is for the dynamism of the people; the "V" stands for victory; the successive yellow, blue, and white coloring is also meant to evoke the country's tourist attractions of sun, sea, and sand
National anthem:
name: "Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee"
lyrics/music: Novelle Hamilton RICHARDS/Walter Garnet Picart CHAMBERS
note: adopted 1967; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom)
Economy ::Antigua and Barbuda
Economy - overview:
Tourism continues to dominate Antigua and Barbuda's economy, accounting for nearly 60% of GDP and 40% of investment. The dual-island nation's agricultural production is focused on the domestic market and constrained by a limited water supply and a labor shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages in tourism and construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to depend on tourist arrivals from the US, Canada, and Europe and potential damages from natural disasters. After taking office in 2004, the SPENCER government adopted an ambitious fiscal reform program, and was successful in reducing its public debt-to-GDP ratio from 120% to about 90% in 2008. However, the global financial crisis that began in 2008, has led to a significant increase in the national debt, which topped 130% at the end of 2010. The Antiguan economy experienced solid growth from 2003 to 2007, reaching over 12% in 2006 driven by a construction boom in hotels and housing associated with the Cricket World Cup, but growth dropped off in 2008 with the end of the boom. In 2009, Antigua's economy was severely hit by the global economic crisis, suffering from the collapse of its largest financial institution and a steep decline in tourism. This decline continued in 2010 as the country struggled with a yawning budget deficit.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$1.433 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195 $1.494 billion (2009 est.)
$1.64 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
$1.099 billion (2010 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
−4.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210 −8.9% (2009 est.)
1.8% (2008 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$16,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $17,400 (2009 est.)
$19,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 3.8%
industry: 22%
services: 74.3% (2002 est.)
Labor force:
30,000 (1991) country comparison to the world: 204
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 7%
industry: 11%
services: 82% (1983)
Unemployment rate:
11% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 120
Population below poverty line:
NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
1.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 38
Central bank discount rate:
6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 69 6.5% (31 December 2008)
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
10.07% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 10.43% (31 December 2008 est.)
Stock of narrow money:
$233.5 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 170 $266.7 million (31 December 2008)
Stock of broad money:
$1.186 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 157 $1.236 billion (31 December 2008)
Stock of domestic credit:
$1.13 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 $1.002 billion (31 December 2007 est.)
Agriculture - products:
cotton, fruits, vegetables, bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; livestock
Industries:
tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances)
Industrial production growth rate:
NA%
Electricity - production:
110 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 188
Electricity - consumption:
102.3 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 189
